When you start dealing with bigger midpower models (under what is sometimes referred to as FAA 101 limits, 3.3 lbs and G power) you'll probably want something sturdier and more stable.

barone

10-30-2007, 07:32 PM

Can a rocket be to big for a launch system?
Now, I know in the past, when I've answered your question based on the way it's written, you actually mean something else. What is your definition of a system?

To me it includes the launch pad and the electrical system for actually launching the rocket.

You can have a rocket that fits the pad okay but requires more electrical current for it's motor than a regular motor (normally, four AAs for most rocket motors up through D, no clusters; anything bigger you should look at using a 12v system). No harm done, the rocket just won't ignite...unless you are clustering, then you can have a partial ignition and the rocket flys off balance....yeah, potential hurt there.

Now, the rocket may be okay for the electrical but too big for the pad. Shouldn't try to launch a 6 foot rocket from a 3 foot launch rod (yeah, I hear you guys screaming....I launch my mean machine from a 4 foot rod :D ). It may not reach enough speed for stable flight in 36" (or 48 for that matter) or it could encounter rod tipping (the rocket "whips" the rod because the rocket is going one way while the rod is trying to keep it going straight).

So, yes, the rocket can be too big for the launch system. ;)

F_O_G

10-31-2007, 10:11 AM

Now, I know in the past, when I've answered your question based on the way it's written, you actually mean something else. What is your definition of a system?

To me it includes the launch pad and the electrical system for actually launching the rocket.

You can have a rocket that fits the pad okay but requires more electrical current for it's motor than a regular motor (normally, four AAs for most rocket motors up through D, no clusters; anything bigger you should look at using a 12v system). No harm done, the rocket just won't ignite...unless you are clustering, then you can have a partial ignition and the rocket flys off balance....yeah, potential hurt there.

Now, the rocket may be okay for the electrical but too big for the pad. Shouldn't try to launch a 6 foot rocket from a 3 foot launch rod (yeah, I hear you guys screaming....I launch my mean machine from a 4 foot rod :D ). It may not reach enough speed for stable flight in 36" (or 48 for that matter) or it could encounter rod tipping (the rocket "whips" the rod because the rocket is going one way while the rod is trying to keep it going straight).

So, yes, the rocket can be too big for the launch system. ;)

:eek: You answered my question the way I needed it!!

So I can't launch a Blue Ninja off of an alpha lll starter kit?

Shreadvector

10-31-2007, 10:29 AM

:eek: You answered my question the way I needed it!!

So I can't launch a Blue Ninja off of an alpha lll starter kit?

yes you can and if you had asked that full question in the first place we could have provided you with a FASTER answer that more accurately answered your specific question.

Estes designed this kit to be launched from their standard launch pad, but they expect you to buy a "maxi-rod". That is a 3/16" diameter rod that they sell for way too much money. Buy a 4 foot long 3/16" diameter steel rod at Home Depot for between 3 and 4 dollars.

the standard Estes pad accommodates the 1/8" diameter ("normal") rod in one slot or a 3/16" diameter ("maxi") rod in the other slot.

It is always a good suggestion to put a weight on one or two of the launch pad legs to prevent movement or tipping. This can be a big rock, a brick or even a milk or water jug with water in it.

F_O_G

11-01-2007, 04:37 PM

yes you can and if you had asked that full question in the first place we could have provided you with a FASTER answer that more accurately answered your specific question.

Estes designed this kit to be launched from their standard launch pad, but they expect you to buy a "maxi-rod". That is a 3/16" diameter rod that they sell for way too much money. Buy a 4 foot long 3/16" diameter steel rod at Home Depot for between 3 and 4 dollars.

the standard Estes pad accommodates the 1/8" diameter ("normal") rod in one slot or a 3/16" diameter ("maxi") rod in the other slot.

It is always a good suggestion to put a weight on one or two of the launch pad legs to prevent movement or tipping. This can be a big rock, a brick or even a milk or water jug with water in it.

Well, if I ask an unclear question first then I can get more information out of you guys than if I ask the full question first, also I just forgot the name of the starter kit.

Can you get the rods at Wal*mart?

barone

11-01-2007, 05:03 PM

Well, if I ask an unclear question first then I can get more information out of you guys than if I ask the full question first, also I just forgot the name of the starter kit.

Can you get the rods at Wal*mart?
No. Need to go to hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot. These are steel rods so you might want some WD40 also to keep them from rusting.

F_O_G

11-01-2007, 05:06 PM

OK, *sigh*, guess I will have to wait.

There's only a Wal*Mart in town.

barone

11-01-2007, 10:36 PM

OK, *sigh*, guess I will have to wait.

There's only a Wal*Mart in town.
PM me your address....I'll send you one. Did you get your epoxy? I'll send you some of that also.

Shreadvector

11-02-2007, 09:34 AM

OK, *sigh*, guess I will have to wait.

There's only a Wal*Mart in town.

Michael's has the Estes OVERPRICED maxi rod (and it's not really long enough for many models..).

Do you have an ACE Hardware store or other good hardware store? They have steel rods cheap.

ghrocketman

11-02-2007, 11:26 AM

If you have a welding supply store in your area, most likely you would be able to get STAINLESS STEEL 3/16" rod in various lengths.
That is what I use for launch rods as you do not have to deal with a rusting issue.

F_O_G

11-05-2007, 10:11 AM

Do you have an ACE Hardware store or other good hardware store? They have steel rods cheap.

Yes, but I'm going out of town today so I'll see what they have there. There should be a Home Depot and a lot of other stores there that I don't have.

Rocket Doctor

11-05-2007, 10:49 AM

Do a web search, you can find all types of stainless steel rods in a variety of sizes.
Many hobby shops also carry "piano" wire, and a 1/8" piece usually sells for about $1.25, compared to the Estes $10.